The usual crowns were made, the gorgeous stars given as gifts to each child.

Lottie still had no idea what was going on, except she loved the spray-

painted cotton clouds I hung on our walnut tree over the dinner table.

*******
2014-2015 Family Theme and Back to School Feast was held
August 22 of this year. I wrote all about it here.

I have really enjoyed recapping all of the
family themes and Back to School Feasts our family has held.
They have blessed our lives and added unity to everything
we do. The Little Nies seem proud of who they are, and our family.
I want them to be grateful and happy. I want them to serve and be proud of
their heritage and especially never ever be ashamed of their
Mormon faith and testimony of Jesus Christ.
And, I am learning everyday that haters are gonna hate no matter what I say,
what I type, what photos I take, and choices I make.
But listen up! I am confident in who I am as an adored daughter of a loving
God. He directs my life and if I am smart, I will listen and obey.
I recognize that we all make bad choices, and I certainly have.
But, I am not ashamed of who I am and my roll as a mother, woman and wife.
I am not ashamed of my Mormon faith and it's beliefs.
I wake up every morning, get on my knees
and ask God to forgive me of any pain I have caused,
hurt I may have spread, and ask for help each day because
I recognize I CANNOT DO IT ALONE!
I ask for an increased amount of love- especially for the people
who attack me and my family on social media.
I am sad for them because I know they are not happy.
And I know that I am happy, and no matter what they say, they can
never ever change that.